(SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Sept. 1)—The McKendree university volleyball team improved to 4-1 on the season with a three-set road sweep Wednesday of Benedictine University at Springfield. The Bearcats won the contest by scores of 25-14, 25-16 and 25-8.

Seniors Tara Ryterski (Nashville, Ill./Nashville) (Nashville, Ill./Nashville) and Ashley Perry (Sparta, Ill./Sparta) (Sparta, Ill./Sparta) led a balanced attack with eight kills each as the Bearcats took the non-conference match. Senior setter Alyssa Speckhals (Hermann, Mo./Hermann) (Hermann, Mo./Hermann) handed out a team-leading 17 assists while junior setter Melissa Bayer (Collinsville, IL/Triad) (Collinsville, Ill./Triad) chipped in with 11 sets. Speckhals also contributed six digs in the victory.

McKendree will have a week off before returning to action Sept. 8 at Webster University. Match time is set for 7 p.m.

-McK-